Neal Brown, The Quarantine King

West Virginia’s Head Football Coach Neal Brown has used the last couple of months wisely.  Not only has he stayed busy with recruiting and Zoom meetings with his staff and players, Brown has also dedicated his mornings to personal physical and mental growth. Every day since April 4, Brown has posted either a video or a photo of himself on Instagram.  The message behind these posts are “Every Day.” The daily videos and pictures show Brown dripping with sweat post workout.  Brown is proving that he is getting it done every single day. Essentially, what Brown is saying is, “Mountaineers, take time out every day to grow and get better, whether that is physically, spiritually or mentally.” Brown recently posted a picture of the outstanding self-help book “Atomic Habits” by James Clear. The book highlights how tiny changes often lead to remarkable results. Neal Brown is setting an example for all of us to follow and continues to make all the right moves as the Head Coach of the Mountaineers.  With an outstanding recruiting class incoming and a culture of hard work surrounding the football program, it’s an exciting time to be a Mountaineer!

WVU Included in 2024 Way-Too-Early Top 25

Morgantown, WV - After being projected as the worst team in the Big 12, the West Virginia Mountaineers finished with an 8-4 record including 6-3 in Big 12 play in 2023. Things are finally trending in the right direction for Head Coach Neal Brown, with stars seemingly aligning for a huge 2024 season in Morgantown. Earlier today, Athlon Sports revealed their way-too-early top 25 for the 2024 season. Among the teams on this list were five Big 12 schools. West Virginia, who has not been ranked at any point during Neal Brown’s tenure, came in at #20. https://twitter.com/voicemorgantown/status/1737226929231569027?s=46&t=cXIQ4JQG-pp-P6qrRwLwjw Here are WVU’s conference foes that were also included in the ranking: 7. Utah 13. Arizona 19. Kansas State 24. Kansas   The Mountaineers play three of the remaining four teams included in the top 25 in 2024 -  both Kansas and Kansas State at home, and Arizona on the road. Next season is obviously a long way out, but if things can remain consistent for WVU, there is no reason to doubt that they can compete for at least a Big 12 crown. (Photo by WVU Athletics) 

West Virginia Lands Defensive Player from Finland

Moments ago, several "Let's Go" tweets fired off on Twitter and that of course signaled that the Mountaineers landed another recruit.  This morning, West Virginia earned a commitment from Edward Vesterien, a strong-side defensive end from Finland. The 6'4, 240 pound Vesterien also held offers from Massachusetts and Coastal Carolina. https://twitter.com/vesEdward/status/1277605422921326594?s=20 Welcome Home, Edward! https://twitter.com/NealBrown_WVU/status/1277614102886715393?s=20  

Murphy Clement Named WV Gatorade Player of the Year

MORGANTOWN, West Virginia -- Earlier today, Martinsburg High School's starting quarterback, Murphy Clement, was recognized as the 2023 West Virginia State Gatorade Player of the Year! Clement is the younger brother of current West Virginia wide receiver Hudson Clement, who also won the award while in high school. https://twitter.com/mburgfootball/status/1759748293528011226?s=46&t=USDKe35TLtcCPitgUlQ1PA Clement, a 5'11 190 pound quarterback and defensive back for the Martinsburg Bulldogs, led the team to a state championship and was the MVP of the game. He was a 1st team all state selection, the EPAC Offensive Player of the Year, the Coalfields co-Offensive Player of the Year and was also a 1st team all-state defensive back. At quarterback, he was 107/179 (59.8%) for 1673 yards (15.6 yards per completion) and had 19 passing touchdowns. In addition, he rushed for 1,100 and 20 touchdowns. Clement has committed to play alongside his brother for the Mountaineers next season. Check out his full senior highlights below: https://twitter.com/murphy_clement2/status/1737218657170641392?s=20https://twitter.com/MhsPound10602/status/1742654902071869541?s=20 https://twitter.com/MhsPound10602/status/1742654902071869541?s=20  

Neal Brown Announces Defensive Staff Shakeup

Morgantown, West Virginia - Moments ago, Neal Brown released the following message that announced that the defensive coaching staff will share responsibilities by committee for the upcoming season: "Jordan Lesley will oversee the front of the defense, and Jahmile Addae will handle the back Jeff Casteel will coach the outside linebackers, and Dontae Wright will now coach the safeties. Jeff Koonz will coach the inside linebackers and oversee the special teams unit. "Given the timing and unique circumstances surrounding the pandemic, we are going to divide responsibilities and use a committee approach," Brown said. "We are promoting Jeff Casteel to an on-the-field position and know he will be a great contributor. We have an outstanding group of defensive coaches, and I have the utmost confidence in their ability." Casteel returned to West Virginia on March 27, 2020, as a defensive analyst. He brings 33 years of defensive coaching experience, including 10 years at WVU where he helped the Mountaineers win three BCS bowl games. He has helped guide teams to 14 conference championships and 15 bowl appearances and has coached numerous All-Americans and professional players." https://twitter.com/WVUfootball/status/1287796343436705792?s=20

Another WVU Commit Changes His Mind and Won’t Attend West Virginia

MORGANTOWN, West Virginia -- Moments ago, a second West Virginia University commit has changed his mind and decided to not play for the Mountaineers. Earlier in the week, Old Dominion safety Tahj Ra-El backed out of his commitment, saying his decision was based on a "gut feeling." Today, former Louisville safety Josh Minkins posted the following on social media: "I will not be attending West Virginia. Please respect my decision." https://twitter.com/voicemorgantown/status/1745906027302736289?s=20 Minkins, who will have one year of eligibility remaining, was a 247Sports three-star prospect in the 2020 class. In four seasons with the Cardinals, he tallied 99 tackles, 3 pass deflections, 1 sack, and 1 interception. Considering both Ra-El and Minkins are safeties, it's likely that they have changed their mind due to former Safeties coach for the Mountaineers, Dontae Wright, recently left the program to become the new defensive coordinator at Troy.  

Prayers for the Holgorsen Family

The Voice of Motown would like to extend our condolences to the Holgorsen family. https://twitter.com/johnantonik/status/1291493598467416065?s=21 As reported of John Antonik of WVU, Dana’s father, Steve Holgorsen, passed away. Our love and prayers are with Dana and his entire family.

Garrett Greene Named Top Returning Quarterback

MORGANTOWN, WV - Earlier today, Max Chadwick of Pro Football Focus revealed his top ten returning quarterbacks in college football. WVU signal-caller Garrett Greene was included on the list. https://twitter.com/pff_college/status/1757775954930274726?s=46&t=cXIQ4JQG-pp-P6qrRwLwjw Greene came in at number 7, above fellow Big 12 quarterback Noah Fifita and Penn State Quarterback Drew Allar. After a solid 2023 season, many are expecting Greene to take the next step in 2024. The Mountaineers have a special player on their hands. He will be key for hopes at a conference title next season. (Photo by WVU Athletics) 

Update on the QB Battle Between Doege and Kendall

Now that we actually have a football schedule, let’s talk a little football. Today, we will be talking about how the quarterback battle is beginning to shape up between Jarret Doege and Austin Kendall for the Mountaineers.   https://twitter.com/wvufootball/status/1293713281094504448?s=21   Yesterday, the University released an update on how the Mountaineers are faring in training camp, and one of the items on the agenda was the ongoing quarterback battle between Doege and Kendall. In this report by John Antonik, Brown was quoted in saying the two signal-callers had their moments, but also experienced some head scratchers. The rustiness of not playing since Thanksgiving may have contributed to this, but Brown would state the play of the two was “not exactly” what they want. Consistency was the glaring issue between the two. Both hit some solid passes, including home run balls — but the work is still there to be done. There is no indication as to which way Brown is leaning in the battle, but with the opener being only roughly five weeks away, the winner of the competition will likely be announced sooner rather than later.

Jarret Doege Has Played Against EKU Before — How Did He Perform?

We are now coming up on three weeks until the Mountaineers are scheduled to take the field against the Eastern Kentucky Colonels. When the two collide on September 12th, it is expected that WVU quarterback Jarret Doege will get the nod for the Mountaineers at signal-caller as he has been the presumed starter since leading the team to a 2-1 finish in 2019. While it will be the first time ever the Mountaineers and Colonels have met on the gridiron, Doege has had a run in with the squad from Richmond, Kentucky before. While at Bowling Green, Doege was the starter when the Falcons welcomed the Colonels to town on September 15, 2018. Though this game would end up being closer than it should have been as the Falcons came away with a 42-35 victory, it was to no fault of Doege’s. For the game, the future WVU star would finish completing 28 of his 39 passes for 258 yards and four touchdowns to only one interception. Not too shabby, even against an FCS foe. Had it not been for Doege’s performance, the Falcons would have likely suffered the embarrassing defeat to the Colonels. But as we have seen displayed in the Old Gold and Blue, Doege will never let his team go down without fight — and fight he did that sunny September day in 2018. According to ESPN, his QBR (Quarterback Rating) for the day was only a 53.3, but it was his distribution of wealth that made the performance so impressive. Doege was able to complete passes to seven different receivers, with two of them catching two touchdowns each. West Virginia is undoubtedly a more talented team than Bowling Green, and Doege will have more to work with in his second outing against the Colonels. Expect much of the same from him on September 12th, and for the Mountaineers to get off on the right foot on their quest of Trusting the Climb in year two of the Neal Brown era.

Pitt to Allow Normal Capacity at Football Games in September

Today, the University of Pittsburgh announced their plans for fan capacity through the month of September. https://twitter.com/brett_mcmurphy/status/1299081382396940290?s=21 According to Brett McMurphy of Stadium, Pitt will not allow fans at home games for the first month of the season. This is good news for the Pitt football team being as they are used to playing in front of no fans. It will be business as usual for the Panthers. #EatSh*tPitt

Former Mountaineer Released By Giants

Earlier today, former Mountaineer safety Dravon Askew-Henry saw his time on the New York Giants’ active roster come to an end. However, he still may have an opportunity to return. https://twitter.com/RVacchianoSNY/status/1302250648906477568?s=20   According to Ralph Vacchiano of SNY, although released, Askew-Henry is expected to be one of the 16 players that will be retained on the Giants’ practice squad. Askew-Henry last played for the New York Guardians of the XFL, and also had a brief stint with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2019.

RUMOR: Reason for Players Being Suspended for Today’s Game

Morgantown, West Virginia - Eleven West Virginia players, including three starters, have been suspended for today's game. In an official statement from West Virginia University, it was announced that the players were suspended for a violation of team rules. Now, there's smoke surrounding a rumor that the players were suspended because they were consuming alcohol in the locker room.  Apparently the NCAA saw the video and West Virginia had to suspend the players. While this is just a rumor, a reporter for The Voice of Motown witnessed an open bottle of liquor in the locker room during one of the players' Instagram Live videos.  While the player was not drinking, it did appear strange to see an open bottle of alcohol in a college football team's locker room. Stay tuned to The Voice of Motown for more information as it becomes available.

Could Kerry Martin Return This Season?

Morgantown, West Virginia - Several weeks ago - when the college football season appeared unsafe and unlikely - many college athletes decided to simply opt out of the season. A lot has changed since then.  The football season is rolling right along in most conferences, the Big Ten has decided to return in October, and there has been very few cases on teams or spread of the virus since the return of college football. Kerry Martin, Jr., the ultra-talented sophomore defensive back from Charleston, West Virginia, was the only player on the Mountaineers to decide to opt out of this season, citing health reasons. Martin, who has pre-existing health issues, said the following early last month: “My family and myself have had many conversations about playing this upcoming 2020 season.  With that being said, we feel as if it’s best to opt out and sit this season out due to my family and my own personal health issues (sickle cell, asthma). I signed my national letter of intent to this university to become a great football player and leave as a better man as well as having a better understanding about life, and to pursue my professional dream, but not to play during a worldwide pandemic." Martin closed by adding, “I will comeback for my sophomore year a much more dynamic player.” Kerry Martin, Jr. is one of the most talented players on the West Virginia defense.  A 3rd team freshman All-American last season, Martin was expected to be a starter in the Mountaineers secondary. The NCAA (and West Virginia University, in particular) has created an extremely safe atmosphere for its athletes.  Although Martin has health concerns, it could be argued that he would be even more safe in within the bubble of safety that the NCAA has constructed.  Frequent testing and care by world-class physicians make college athletes among the safest in the country. Martin has to do what's best for himself, but athletes want to play and participate, and it'll be difficult to keep someone who can play off the field.  Several players around the country who previously opted out have already decided to return to their teams...could Kerry Martin, Jr. be next?

OFFICIAL: All Ten FBS Conferences Will Be Playing This Fall

Just over a month after the initial postponements from FBS conferences, all ten have announced they will be playing this fall. https://twitter.com/petethamel/status/1309593351977611264?s=21 Today, the Mid-American Conference - the league that was first to postpone in the FBS - announced that they will be making a return this fall. https://twitter.com/cfbheather/status/1309594416034840576?s=21   According to multiple sources, the MAC will play a six-game schedule beginning on November 4th. The conference championship will be played the weekend of December 18th. Here are all the start dates for conferences who originally postponed to spring: Big Ten - October 24th Pac-12 - November 6th Mountain West - October 24th MAC - November 4th